- Health & Fitness
Free Fest brings health, wellness re
ByBeccah Hendrickson
Saturday, August 1, 2026 10:21PM
Free Fest brings health and wellness resources to Philadelphia community for third straight year
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) –Free health screenings, books, produce, and family activities were offered to community members during Free Fest, a health and wellness event held for the third consecutive year at the Navy Yard
The event, organized by Philly Freeway, focused on connecting residents with free re
“To be able to bring free books, free produce, free blood pressure tests. We need these types of reg to do here,” said Melissa Young, a producer for Free Fest
Young said the event reflects the mission of Philly Freeway and its founder
“As a rapper, community leader, philanthropist, and kidney recipient, it’s really important to bring these rey,” Young said
Volunteers also helped coordinate activities for children and families. Among them was author John Butler, who goes by Cousin John and served as curator of the Children’s Village
“Summers for parents can be expensive, so being able to have this event that’s free and caters to the family where there’s literally something for everybody,” Butler said
Attendees explored a variety of ree people could speak with a licensed therapist at no cost
“It’s important for us to remove as many barriers as possible for people to have access to therapy,” said Natalie Dallard of Community Behavioral Health
Dallard said the service is especially important as many people struggle with social isolation
“We are in what’s called a loneliness epidemic; we hear about how people feel socially isolated, and they feel intimidated and that the traditional ways of doing things aren’t working,” she said
Organizers also emphasized healthy eating by partnering with Sharing Excess to distribute free produce to community members
Butler said the event offered families another opportunity to connect and learn together
“It’s really an opportunity for families to get out, enjoy some great activities, focus on literacy,” he said
Free Fest was held at the Navy Yard and marked its third year of bringing free health, wellness and community re
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